# Balsamiq, Penpot vs Sketch Comparison

| | Balsamiq | Penpot | Sketch | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.2 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 500 | 10 | 1,226 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (48.1% of reviews) | Small-Business (60.0% of reviews) | Small-Business (53.1% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | Free | Free | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Balsamiq

Pros:
- Ease of Use (9 reviews)
- Drag (5 reviews)

Cons:
- Limited Capabilities (3 reviews)
- Learning Curve (2 reviews)

### Penpot

Pros:
- Team Collaboration (3 reviews)
- Collaboration (2 reviews)

Cons:
- Lack of Guidance (1 reviews)
- Limited Options (1 reviews)

### Sketch

Pros:
- Ease of Use (13 reviews)
- Features (7 reviews)

Cons:
- Platform Exclusivity (6 reviews)
- Poor Collaboration (6 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Balsamiq | Penpot | Sketch | 
|---|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.3 (449 reviews) | 8.9 (9 reviews) | 8.7 (1096 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.9 (448 reviews) | 8.9 (9 reviews) | 8.9 (1101 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 9.0 (103 reviews) | Not enough data | 9.2 (197 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.6 (90 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.9 (160 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.1 (250 reviews) | 9.4 (6 reviews) | 8.3 (741 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.7 (77 reviews) | Not enough data | 9.0 (131 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 6.6 (441 reviews) | 10.0 (8 reviews) | 8.6 (1079 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Balsamiq

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

Yes

### Penpot

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Professional

Price: Free

Description: Powerful and generous. 
Free forever.

Everything professionals need to design, prototype and collaborate free from limits and paywalls.

Key Features:
- No file limits Create as many files and projects as you like — just stay within this plan’s storage.
- Unlimited Teams Collaborate freely with unlimited teams. 
- Plugins Extend and tweak Penpot's functionality with cool plugins or easily build your own.

[Browse all 5 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/penpot/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### Sketch

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: 30 day trial

Price: Free

Key Features:
- Fully featured Trial. Download to get started: https://www.sketch.com/downloads/ma
- Design, prototype and illustrate
- Collaborate in real-time

[Browse all 6 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/sketch/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Design Systems

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Balsamiq** | N/A | N/A |
| **Penpot** | N/A | N/A |
| **Sketch** | N/A | N/A |

#### Performance Tracking

| Feature | Balsamiq | Penpot | Sketch | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Dashboard** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Asset Performance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Template Usage** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Functionality

| Feature | Balsamiq | Penpot | Sketch | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Design Templates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Workflow Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Collaboration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Educational Resources** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Prototyping

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Balsamiq** | N/A | N/A |
| **Penpot** | N/A | N/A |
| **Sketch** | 8.4/10 | 19 |

#### Platform Basics

| Feature | Balsamiq | Penpot | Sketch | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Modeling Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.0 (13 reviews) | 
| **Feedback and Communication** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.9 (11 reviews) | 
| **Framework Libraries** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (14 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.2 (16 reviews) | 

#### Platform Additional Functionality

| Feature | Balsamiq | Penpot | Sketch | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Sharing Components** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (13 reviews) | 
| **Error Documentation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.4 (11 reviews) | 
| **User Interface Testing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (13 reviews) | 
| **Presentation Integrations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.6 (11 reviews) | 

#### Agentic AI - Prototyping

| Feature | Balsamiq | Penpot | Sketch | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Wireframing

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Balsamiq** | 8.4/10 | 10 |
| **Penpot** | N/A | N/A |
| **Sketch** | 8.2/10 | 18 |

#### Platform Basics

| Feature | Balsamiq | Penpot | Sketch | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Importing Abilities** | 8.7 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.3 (12 reviews) | 
| **Content Design Tools** | 8.5 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.6 (12 reviews) | 
| **Framework Libraries** | 8.1 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.5 (12 reviews) | 
| **Outlining Tools** | 8.3 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.5 (11 reviews) | 
| **Mockup Creations** | 8.7 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.8 (13 reviews) | 

#### Platform Additional Functionality

| Feature | Balsamiq | Penpot | Sketch | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Collaboration Software Integration** | 7.6 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.5 (12 reviews) | 
| **Feedback Communication** | 8.3 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.9 (11 reviews) | 
| **Exporting Capabilities** | 9.0 (10 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.6 (13 reviews) | 

### Web Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Balsamiq** | N/A | N/A |
| **Penpot** | 8.5/10 | 5 |
| **Sketch** | N/A | N/A |

#### Platform Basics

| Feature | Balsamiq | Penpot | Sketch | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Templates Library** | Not enough data | 8.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Visualization Tools** | Not enough data | 9.0 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **HTML and CSS Editors** | Not enough data | 8.0 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Content Elements Libraries** | Not enough data | 8.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Platform Additional Functionalities

| Feature | Balsamiq | Penpot | Sketch | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **WYSIWYG Editor Integration** | Not enough data | 8.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Marketing Tools Integrations** | Not enough data | 8.3 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Vector Graphics Tools Importing and Integration** | Not enough data | 8.3 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - Web Design

| Feature | Balsamiq | Penpot | Sketch | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Software Design Platforms

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Balsamiq** | N/A | N/A |
| **Penpot** | N/A | N/A |
| **Sketch** | N/A | N/A |

#### Platform Basics

| Feature | Balsamiq | Penpot | Sketch | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Mockup Creations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (5 reviews) | 
| **Outlining Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (5 reviews) | 
| **Import Graphic Design Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (5 reviews) | 
| **Feedback Communication** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.0 (5 reviews) | 
| **Content Libraries** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (8 reviews) | 
| **Export Wireframes and Prototypes** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.3 (6 reviews) | 

#### Platform Basics - Software Design Platforms

| Feature | Balsamiq | Penpot | Sketch | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **User Interface Testing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Presentation Integrations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Error Documentation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Sharing Components** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Platform Additional Functionality

| Feature | Balsamiq | Penpot | Sketch | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Design and Editing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Collaboration Capabilities** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 7.6 (7 reviews) | 
| **Diagramming and Collaborative Whiteboard Integrations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.0 (5 reviews) | 
| **Documenting Trial Errors** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Platform Additional Functionality - Software Design Platforms

| Feature | Balsamiq | Penpot | Sketch | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Framework Libraries** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Feedback and Communication** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Modeling Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (3):** [Prototyping Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/prototyping), [Wireframing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/wireframing), [Software Design Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/software-design-platforms)


**Unique to Penpot (2):** [Web Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/web-design), [Design Systems Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/design-systems)

**Unique to Sketch (2):** [Diagramming Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/diagramming), [Vector Graphics Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/vector-graphics)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Balsamiq | Penpot | Sketch | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 48.1% | 60.0% | 53.1% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 32.8% | 30.0% | 28.8% | 
| **Enterprise** | 19.1% | 10.0% | 18.2% | 

### By Industry

#### Balsamiq

- **Computer Software:** 19.7%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 18.1%
- **Design:** 9.7%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 7.3%
- **Internet:** 6.3%
- **Financial Services:** 3.4%
- **Education Management:** 3.2%
- **Higher Education:** 3.0%
- **E-Learning:** 1.6%
- **Retail:** 1.2%
- **Other:** 26.4%

#### Penpot

- **Graphic Design:** 20.0%
- **Media Production:** 10.0%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 10.0%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 10.0%
- **Education Management:** 10.0%
- **Design:** 10.0%
- **Construction:** 10.0%
- **Alternative Medicine:** 10.0%
- **Accounting:** 10.0%

#### Sketch

- **Design:** 17.7%
- **Computer Software:** 14.9%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 10.4%
- **Internet:** 9.6%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 8.1%
- **Graphic Design:** 5.7%
- **Financial Services:** 2.2%
- **Higher Education:** 1.9%
- **Health, Wellness and Fitness:** 1.2%
- **Retail:** 1.1%
- **Other:** 27.2%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Balsamiq

- [Figma](https://www.g2.com/products/figma/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (1548 reviews)
- [InVision](https://www.g2.com/products/invision/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (683 reviews)
- [Moqups](https://www.g2.com/products/moqups/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (91 reviews)
- [Miro](https://www.g2.com/products/miro/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (13086 reviews)
- [Marvel](https://www.g2.com/products/marvel/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (227 reviews)
- [Justinmind](https://www.g2.com/products/justinmind/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (55 reviews)
- [Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite](https://www.g2.com/products/lucid-software-inc-lucid-visual-collaboration-suite/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (8642 reviews)
- [Adobe XD](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-xd/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (511 reviews)
- [Axure RP](https://www.g2.com/products/axure-rp/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (277 reviews)
- [UXPin](https://www.g2.com/products/uxpin/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (118 reviews)

### Alternatives to Penpot

- [Figma](https://www.g2.com/products/figma/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (1548 reviews)
- [Adobe XD](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-xd/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (511 reviews)
- [Miro](https://www.g2.com/products/miro/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (13086 reviews)
- [InVision](https://www.g2.com/products/invision/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (683 reviews)
- [Webflow](https://www.g2.com/products/webflow/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (993 reviews)
- [WordPress.com](https://www.g2.com/products/wordpress-com/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (2711 reviews)
- [Wix](https://www.g2.com/products/wix/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (1875 reviews)
- [Adobe Dreamweaver](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-dreamweaver/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (2846 reviews)
- [Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite](https://www.g2.com/products/lucid-software-inc-lucid-visual-collaboration-suite/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (8642 reviews)
- [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (7505 reviews)

### Alternatives to Sketch

- [Miro](https://www.g2.com/products/miro/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (13086 reviews)
- [Figma](https://www.g2.com/products/figma/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (1548 reviews)
- [InVision](https://www.g2.com/products/invision/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (683 reviews)
- [Moqups](https://www.g2.com/products/moqups/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (91 reviews)
- [Marvel](https://www.g2.com/products/marvel/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (227 reviews)
- [Adobe XD](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-xd/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (511 reviews)
- [UXPin](https://www.g2.com/products/uxpin/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (118 reviews)
- [Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite](https://www.g2.com/products/lucid-software-inc-lucid-visual-collaboration-suite/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (8642 reviews)
- [Visio](https://www.g2.com/products/visio/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (690 reviews)
- [Adobe Illustrator](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-illustrator/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (6164 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Balsamiq

- Title: [What is balsamiq software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-balsamiq-software) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Balsamiq makes software like Mockups and Wireframes. The software tools provide a way to create simple wire-frame style mockup sketches without distractions..."
- Title: [Is it possible to create a prototype out of the mock-up, I mean, is it possible to a clickable version of the mock-up that allows me to go from one view to another?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/28907-is-it-possible-to-create-a-prototype-out-of-the-mock-up-i-mean-is-it-possible-to-a-clickable-version-of-the-mock-up-that-allows-me-to-go-from-one-view-to-another) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Yes, you can, when you click on a component on the right side you find something called "link", you can then link it to the page you want.

The "clickable..."

### Penpot

No discussions available for this product.

### Sketch

- Title: [Is sketch for windows coming soon?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-sketch-for-windows-coming-soon) — 3 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Unfortunately no! But there is an app called Lunacy which supports Sketch files:
https://icons8.com/lunacy"
- Title: [What is Sketch used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-sketch-used-for) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Creating Apps, Websites, logos, and much more. With a primary focus on UX/UI design. 
For both freelancers or teams of all sizes. It offers real-time..."
- Title: [Is sketch software free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-sketch-software-free) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "You need to pay a license"
- Title: [What is sketch software used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-sketch-software-used-for) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "UI & UX"
- Title: [Can I use this to build simple apps views?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/can-i-use-this-to-build-simple-apps-views) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Yes! Since Sketch is open source, there are even UI templates available (free and paid) that make designing apps super simple."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/balsamiq-vs-penpot-vs-sketch)